Botham - Resting Strauss a mistake
Mar 10 2010 - 18:28:16
Sir Ian Botham believes Andrew Strauss and England have made a "major mistake" in deciding to rest the captain for the ongoing tour of Bangladesh.
Strauss is missing from two Test matches and has already missed a three-match one-day international series. The opening batsman will also take no part in the ICC World Twenty20, having already called time on his career in that format, meaning he will not return to England colours until late May, after a four-month break in which Alastair Cook has stood in as captain.
"Andrew Strauss should be with the England side," said Botham. "He can't be exhausted with his batting - he only averaged 24 in (the winter Test tour of) South Africa. He has been captain for just a year - and with the Ashes round the corner, he should be with the team."
Botham, who was speaking ahead of the Laureus World Sports Awards, was bemused when he heard of the mutual decision by Strauss and the selectors to take time out.
"I was amazed he chose to take this time off - I was surprised he was given it," he said.
"As captain, you need to be there with your team. I think it's a major mistake and I think people will remember this for a long time.
"I don't understand it.
"It's not as if England have won their last three series and he's scoring 100s left, right and centre - he's not.
"The captain should be on board the ship - he's got to live with it."